Dear Colleagues,

Indoor carbon dioxide (CO₂) is considered not only a proxy for ventilation but also a key pollutant affecting indoor air quality and occupant health. Indoor CO₂ concentrations have increased in recent decades due to elevated atmospheric CO₂ and inadequate fresh air ventilation in some restricted spaces (such as airplanes, submarines, vehicles, etc.). This has prompted extensive research into the association between indoor CO₂ and human responses, making it one of the most crucial and hotly debated topics. Acute or chronic CO₂ exposure is associated with potential health risks such as hypercapnia and sick building syndrome. Moreover, elevated indoor CO₂ concentrations have been demonstrated to be linked to reduced productivity, impaired cognitive performance, lower satisfaction, and physiological stress.

While the adverse effects of indoor CO₂ have been extensively documented, several key scientific questions remain unanswered. These include identifying the critical concentrations of indoor CO₂ that significantly affect human health, cognitive performance, and psychophysiological responses. The mediating role of psychophysiological mechanisms in understanding the indirect effects of CO₂ exposure concentrations on specific task performance (e.g., cognitive function, strategic management, and supervisory operations) remains unclear. Notably, there is still a lack of scientifically sound metrics and comprehensive assessment methods for quantitatively measuring the effects of CO₂ on human health and work performance.

In recognition of these research needs, this Special Issue is being organized to showcase advanced and multidisciplinary research efforts exploring the relationship between indoor CO₂ and human responses, including but not limited to health, comfort, cognitive function, task performance, and psychophysiological changes. Original or reviewed results from field or controlled measurements, subjective surveys, epidemiological models, and numerical simulations are all welcome contributions. Authors are encouraged to provide scientific evidence or practical suggestions to guide the development of new policies and standards for creating healthier and more productive indoor environments.

Dr. Xiaodong Cao
Dr. Jie Zhang
Dr. Jianlin Ren
Guest Editors

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• indoor air quality
• CO₂
• ventilation
• cognitive function
• psychological response
• physiological stress
• work performance
• mental health
• exposure assessment